A big step towards strengthening rail connectivity from Bastar to Surguja in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh – A major step towards strengthening rail connectivity from Bastar to Surguja. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sahay discussed in detail with Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnav the acceleration of major railway projects in Chhattisgarh. The expansion of the rail network will become a strong foundation for balanced and inclusive development of Chhattisgarh, said the Chief Minister. In Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sahay, during his Delhi visit, met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and discussed the expansion of railway infrastructure, new railway projects and progress of pending railway lines in Chhattisgarh. The meeting was attended by Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Tokhan Sahu and Rajnandgaon MP Shri Santosh Pandey. The Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh is one of the most important states in the country from industrial, mineral and agricultural perspectives. Expanding the railway network is not only about transport convenience but also linked to industrial development, trade, tourism, agricultural marketing, tribal area development and balanced regional progress. He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the unprecedented expansion of railway infrastructure across the country is also benefiting Chhattisgarh and the state government is working in full coordination with the central government. The meeting specifically discussed the Katghora‑Dongargarh new railway line project. It was explained that the ambitious 295‑km project will be developed through a joint venture between the Ministry of Railways and the Chhattisgarh government, with a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be formed. The line will run from Katghora through Kartala, Mungeli, Kawardha and Khairagarh to Dongargarh, connecting many areas for the first time to the railway network where no rail service exists. The Chief Minister said the project will give new momentum to regional development, boost industries and provide better commuting facilities to millions. The Ravgahat‑Jagdalpur railway line project was also reviewed. The Chief Minister said land acquisition for the roughly 140‑km line is complete and the tender process is in its final stage. He expects that swift commencement of construction will strengthen connectivity of the Bastar region and give a new direction to its social and economic development. The Chief Minister requested speedy approval for three other important projects – Sardega‑Patthalgaon‑Ambikapur (244 km), Dharmjaygarh‑Patthalgaon‑Lohardaga (301 km) and Ambikapur‑Barwadih (200 km) – which will strengthen rail connectivity in northern Chhattisgarh and border areas, creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, mineral transport and local employment. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav assured positive steps for quick approval. The meeting also covered progress of survey work for new lines Katandul‑Kottagudem (180 km) and Garhchirauli‑Bijapur‑Katandul (Bacheli) (490 km). The Chief Minister urged rapid completion of surveys and initiation of work to further strengthen Bastar’s connectivity and accelerate development and security efforts. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sahay thanked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, stating that with central government support, new chapters of railway development are being written in Chhattisgarh. He said the new railway projects will play a vital role in industrial growth, mineral transport, smooth movement of agricultural produce, tourism promotion and overall development of tribal areas. He expressed confidence that coordinated efforts of the centre and state will make Chhattisgarh’s rail network even stronger in the coming years and give new momentum to building a developed Chhattisgarh.